Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 2968787 2017-05-30
WEAR ASSEMBLY
This application is a division of Canadian Patent File No. 2,868,579 which, in
turn, is a division of CA 2,644,577 filed March 28, 2007 upon national entry
of PCT
Application No. PCT/US2007/007872.
[01] The present invention pertains to a wear assembly for securing a wear
member to excavating equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] Wear parts are commonly attached to excavating equipment, such as
excavating buckets or cutterheads, to protect the equipment from wear and to
enhance the digging operation. The wear parts may include excavating teeth,
shrouds, etc. Such wear parts typically include a base, a wear member, and a
lock to
releasably hold the wear member to the base.
[03] In regard to excavating teeth, the base includes a forwardly
projecting
nose for supporting the wear member. The base may be formed as an integral
part
of the digging edge or may be formed as one or more adapters that are fixed to
the
digging edge by welding or mechanical attachment. The wear member is a point
which fits over the nose. The point narrows to a front digging edge for
penetrating
and breaking up the ground. The assembled nose and point cooperatively define
an
opening into which the lock is received to releasably hold the point to the
nose.
[041 Such wear members are commonly subjected to harsh conditions and
heavy loading. Accordingly, the wear members wear out over a period of time
and
need to be replaced. Many designs have been developed in an effort to enhance
the
strength, stability, durability, penetration, safety, and/or ease of
replacement of such
wear members with varying degrees of success.
CA 2968787 2017-05-30
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[05] The present invention pertains to an improved wear assembly for
securing wear members to excavating equipment for enhanced stability,
strength,
durability, penetration, safety, and ease of replacement
[06] In one aspect of the invention, the nose and socket are each provided
with offset upper and lower stabilizing surfaces to provide a stable but
streamlined
design that provides higher strength, better penetration, and an improved flow
of
material into the excavator as compared to conventional teeth.
[07] In another aspect of the invention, front and rear stabilizing
surfaces of
the nose and socket are each inclined to resist loads on the wear member with
vertical components (herein called vertical loads) and side components (herein
called side loads). In addition, shifting loads can be better resisted by such
inclined
surfaces with less relative motion between the nose and the socket for greater
stability and less wear. in one preferred construction, the nose and socket
have V-
shaped rear stabilizing surfaces and inverted V-shaped front stabilizing
surfaces.
[08] In one other aspect of the invention, stabilizing shoulders formed
integrally with the body of the wear member bear against complementary
supports
on the nose to increase stability and strength of the assembly. The shoulders
are
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nose to form a highly
stable
formation that resists vertically applied loads on the wear member. Unlike
ears that
project rearward from the body of the wear member, the shoulders are backed by
the body of the wear member for additional strength. The use of shoulders also
requires less metal than ears.
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[09] In another aspect of the invention, the nose and socket each includes
a
first faceted shape at the front end that transitions into a second increased-
faceted
shape and preferably, also into a third increased-faceted shape at the rear
ends. In
one preferred example, the front ends of .the nose and socket are each formed
generally as a triangle that transitions into a .hexagonal shape, which, in
turn,
transitions into an octagonal shape at the rear end. The use of such shape
changing
formations enables the use of a slender wear assembly for good penetration
while
maintaining high strength characteristics and side stability.
[10] In another aspect of the invention, the body of the nose and
complementary main portion of the socket each includes upper and lower
portions.
Each of the upper and lower portions have a central facet and a pair of side
facets
that each extend out an inclination to the corresponding central facets. To
achieve
the desired stabilization, strength and slimmer profile, the upper and lower
portions
are asymmetrical such that the upper central facet has an expanding width in a
rearward direction, wherein the lower central facet has a narrowing width in a
rearward direction.
[11] In another aspect of the invention, the front ends of the nose and
socket
are each formed with sidewalls that are inclined inward in the upward
direction to
minimize the lateral projection of the upper corners. The use of such inclined
sidewalls at the front ends reduces the outer profile of the assembly for
better
penetration of the ground. By moving the upper corners inward, the risk of
break
through (i.e., the formation of holes passing into the socket) is also
reduced, thus,
lengthening the useable life of the wear member. The use of inclined
stabilizing
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surfaces along the sidewalls further reduces wear as vertical and side loads
are both
resisted by the same surfaces.
[12] In one preferred embodiment, the nose and socket each includes a
generally triangular-shaped front stabilizing end. In one example, the
triangular
stabilizing end is formed by a generally horizontal lower surface and an
inverted V-
shaped upper surface_ As discussed above, this construction enhances
penetration,
increases the useable life of the wear member by minimizing the risk of break-
through and resists both side and vertical loads with the same surfaces.
[13] In a further aspect of the invention, the nose includes an upper
converging wall and a lower converging wall to have the common wedge shape as
a
compromise of strength and penetration. However, as opposed to prior
constructions, the upper wall continues converging toward the lower wall
through the
front end for enhanced penetration while continuing to provide the desired
stabilization.
[14] In one other aspect of the invention, the lock is integrally secured
to the
wear member for shipping and storage as a single integral component. The lock
is
maintained within the lock opening irrespective of the insertion of the nose
into the
cavity, which results in less shipping costs, reduced storage needs, and less
inventory concerns.
[15] In another aspect of the invention, the lock is releasably securable
in the
lock opening in the wear member in both hold and release positions to reduce
the
risk of dropping or losing the lock during installation. Such an assembly
involves
fewer independent components and an easier installation procedure.
4
[16] In a further aspect of the invention, the lock and wear member can be
maintained as a single integral component through shipping, storage,
installation and
use through an easily movable system without reliance on threaded members.
this
arrangement enables improved part management and easier installation of the
wear
member with less risk of losing the lock.
[17] In another aspect of the invention, the lock is swung about an axis
that extends
generally longitudinally for easy use and stability. In the hold position, the
lock fits
within a cavity defined in a sidewall of the nose, which avoids the
conventional through-
hole and provides increased nose strength. Moreover, the sides of the lock
form a
secure and stable locking arrangement without substantial loading of the hinge
or latch
portions of the lock. In addition, the lock is operable without a hammer for
ease of use
and enhanced safety.
[18] In another aspect of the invention, the lock is formed with a pivot
support and a
biasing member to permit not only pivotal movement of the lock between hold
and
release positions, but also a shifting movement to permit latching in the hold
position
and/or release positions. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the
lock body
defines at least one pry slot whereby a pry tool can securely engage the lock
to shift and
pivot the lock for easy installation and removal.
[19] In another aspect of the invention, the lock is provided with a latch
formation
which includes a centrally positional formation to be used to release the lock
from the
lock position.
CA 2968787 2019-08-20
. .
[19A] In a broad aspect, the present invention pertains to a wear member for
attachment to excavating equipment comprising a front end, a rear end, and a
socket
that opens in the rear end for receiving a base fixed to the excavating
equipment. The
socket includes a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion has a
front thrust
surface, and the rear portion has an upper side and a lower side, including a
central
facet and two opposite side facets each transversely inclined to the
corresponding
central facet, and two opposite side facets each transversely inclined to the
corresponding central facet. The upper central facet has a width that expands
in a
rearward direction, and the lower central facet has a width that narrows in a
rearward
direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[20] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wear assembly in accordance with
the present
invention.
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[21] Figure 2 is a side view of the wear assembly.
[22] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wear assembly vertically
taken
along the longitudinal axis.
[23] Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of a base of the wear assembly.
[24] Figure 5 is a lower perspective view of the nose of the base.
[25] Figure 6 is a top view of the nose.
[26] Figure 7 is a side view of the base.
[27] Figure 8 is a side view of the nose.
[28] Figure9 is a front view of the base.
[29] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along such
section
line 10-10 in Figure 9.
[30] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the base taken along such
section
line 11-11 in Figure 8.
[31] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a wear member of the wear assembly.
[32] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the part of the wear member within
the
circle c in Figure 12.
[33] Figure 14 is a rear view of the wear member.
[34] Figure 15 is a side view of the wear member.
[35] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 16-16 in
Figure 14.
[36] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 17-17 in
Figure 14.
[37] figures 18 and 19 are each a perspective view of a lock for the wear
assembly.
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[38] Figure 20 is a front view of the lock.
[39] Figure 21 is a side view of the lock.
[40] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22-22 in Figure
21.
[41] Figures 23-25 are transverse cross-section views showing the
incremental installation of the lock into the wear assembly with a pry tool.
[42] Figures 26-29 are transverse cross-sectional views showing the
incremental removal of the lock from the wear assrambly with a pry tool.
[43] Figure 30 is an enlarged, transverse cross-sectional view of the wear
assembly with the lock in the hold position in the assembly.
[44] Figure 30a is an enlarged, transverse cross-sectional view of the wear
member combined with the lock in the hold position.
[45] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the wear member with the lock in
the
release position.
[46] Figure 32 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view of the lock
in the
release position.
[47] Figure 33 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a wear
assembly in accordance with the present invention.
[48] Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment.
[49] Figure 35 is a side view of the nose of the second embodiment.
[50] Figure 36 is a rear view of the wear member of the second embodiment.
[51] Figure 37 is a partial cross-sectional view taken vertically along the
longitudinal axis.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[52] The present invention pertains to a wear assembly 10 for releasably
attaching a wear member 12 to excavating equipment (not shown). In this
application, wear member 12 is described in terms of a point for an excavating
tooth
that is attached to a lip of an excavating bucket However, the wear member
could
be in the form of other kinds of wear parts (e.g., shrouds) or attached to
other
excavating equipment (e.g., dredge cutterheads). Moreover, relative terms such
as
forward, rearward, up, down, horizontal or vertical are used for convenience
of
explanation with reference to the orientation of the assembly in Figure 1;
other
orientations are possible.
[53] In one embodiment (Figs. 1-32), the wear member or point 12 is adapted
to fit on a nose 14. The nose is the front portion of a base 15 that is fixed
to a
bucket (not shown) or other equipment. The rear mounting portion 19 of base 15
can be fixed to the bucket in a number of common ways. In the illustrated
example,
base 15 includes a pair of rearward legs 21 (Figs. 1-3) that extend over and
are
welded to the lip of a bucket Nevertheless, the base can include only one leg,
be
cast as part of the lip, or be mechanically fixed to the bucket lip, such as
by a
Whisler-style lock. When the base is secured to the lip by welding or a
locking
mechanism, the base is typically called an adapter. The base can also consist
of a
plurality of interconnected adapters. Wear member 12 is releasably secured to
nose
14 by a lock 17.
[54] Nose 14 includes a body 18 and a front end 20 (Figs. 3-11). The front
end 20 preferably has a generally triangular shape with a horizontal lower
surface 22
and a pair of inclined surfaces 24 facing upward and outward, collectively
defining
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an inverted V-shape. The lower and upper surfaces 22, 24 are front stabilizing
surfaces that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 26 of the
nose. The
term "substantially parallel" is intended to include parallel surfaces as well
as
surfaces that diverge rearwardly from axis 26 at a small angle (e.g., of about
1-7
degrees) for manufacturing or other purposes. A small divergence may also ease
removal of the wear member from the nose. In one preferred embodiment, each
stabilizing surface 22, 24 diverges rearwardly at an angle of no more than
about 5
degrees and most preferably about 2-3 degrees to axis 26.
[55] It is common in digging operations for the teeth to be forced forward
and
upward through the ground. As a result, the primary directions in which
excavating
teeth are commonly loaded are rearward and downward. Front face 27 of nose 14
abuts front surface 29 in socket 16 to primarily resist rearward loads. Upper
stabilizing surfaces 24 are substantially parallel to axis 26 to provide
stable
resistance to downwardly applied vertical loads on the front end of wear
member 12.
Also, due to irregularities in the ground, rocks, and other impediments, the
teeth also
tend to experience side loads as well as loads that shift. Upper stabilizing
surfaces
24 are inclined to resist both downward vertical loads and side loads. Loads
that
shift between vertical and side loads are also better resisted by the same
upper
surfaces 24 to reduce shifting of wear member 12 on nose 14, and thereby
reduce
wearing of the components. The larger surface area provided by both angled
upper
surfaces 24 as compared to lower surface 22 can also provide a benefit in
resisting
the expected larger downward loads.
[56] Since vertical loading is typically greater than side loading, upper
surfaces 24 are preferably more horizonW-than.vertical, i.e., atan angle 0
between
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0 and 45 degrees relative to lower surface 22, and most preferably at an angle
0 of
about 40 degrees (Fig. 9). Nevertheless, inclinations outside the preferred
range are
possible, particularly in light duty operations or in environments where high
side
loading can occur. Lower surface 22 is provided to resist upward vertical
loading.
[57] A triangularly-shaped front end (along with other parts of the nose)
also
ensures that wear member 12 will be mounted properly on the nose, i.e., the
wear
member cannot be mounted the wrong way on the nose. Moreover, since the wear
member is not subject to reversible mounting, the nose and socket can be
formed to
optimize shape for a given application. As example, the nose may be formed
with a
profile for greater penetration, a shape that reduces the rate of wear on the
wear
member, and an efficient construction to specially suit loads and wear
patterns
expected in the desired digging operations_
[58] In an effort to stabilize the mounting of the wear member, it has been
known to form the front end of the nose and socket as mating parallelepipeds
with
rectangular shaped stabilizing surfaces. At times, the wear member can thin
causing
high stress which may lead to failure or wear through the wear member to
expose
the nose at the corners, which in either case results in the wear member
needing to
be replaced before the bit portion 28 has worn away. Since downward loading is
typically greater than upward loading and with the flow of earthen material
into the
bucket, such break through usually occurs along the top of the wear member.
With
an upward-pointing, triangularly-shaped front stabilizing end for nose 14,
upper
surfaces 24 are inclined downwardly, in a lateral direction, to shift the
upper front
corners of the stabilization end to a central position (Figs. 4, 5 and 9).
This reduced
profile at its lateral ends, in turn, reduces the wearing and stress on the
upper lateral
CA 2968787 2017-05-30
ends of the socket and nose compared to conventional teeth. As a result, the
usable
lives of the wear member and the nose are increased. In addition, the
triangular
front end 20 of nose 14 defines a smaller profile for better penetration into
the
ground. The use of inclined surfaces at the upper corners allows the wear
member
to be shaped such that more surface area is available to carry earthen
materials into
the bucket.
[59] While front stabilizing end 20 preferably has a triangular shape
formed by
upper and lower surfaces 22, 24, other configurations with inclined side
surfaces
can be used to reduce the lateral projection of the upper front corners. In
such a
construction, the inclined sidewalls may define a generally trapezoidal shape.
As
another example, the upper corners may be chamfered to shift the upper corners
inward. The chamfers may be made so as to eliminate the sidewalls and/or top
walls or to connect the side and top walls. In another example, although
planar
surfaces are preferred, the inclined surfaces may be curved to define, for
example, a
generally hemispherically shaped front end.
[60] Moreover, a triangular shaped front end 20 or other front end shapes
with inclined sidewalls could be used in connection with other known nose
configurations_ As an example only, such a front end could be used as a
stabilizing
front end instead of the stabilizing front end disclosed on the nose in U.S.
Patent No.
5,709,043. In addition, the front end could be reversed for digging operations
where
the loads and wear would be expected to be along the bottom side as opposed to
the top side of the wear assembly.
[61] 11Nose 14 is further defined in part by an upper wall 31 and a lower
wall
.
33 (Figs. 3 and 10). Upper and lower walls 31, 33 converge toward front thrust
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surface 27 to form the common wedge shape to provide a compromise of strength
and the ability to penetrate. However, unlike the common nose formed with
front
stabilizing surfaces, the central portion 34 of upper wall 31 continues to
converge
toward lower wall 33 through front end 20 to the thrust surface 27 for a
slimmer
outer profile and enhanced penetration without sacrificing stability. This
continued
tapering of upper wall 31 through front end 20 and the accompanying slimming
of
the nose is possible because of the use of the inclined stabilizing surfaces
24 to
provide the stabilizing support_
[621 As discussed above, upper wall 31 and a lower wall 33 that are each
inclined to diverge away from axis 26 in a rearward direction. To reduce
obstructions
and enhance flow of earthen material into the bucket, upper wall 31 has a more
shallow inclination relative to axis 26 than lower wall 33. Further, nose 14
transitions rearwardly from a relatively small sized front end 20 with facets
22, 24
for high penetration and stability into a larger sized rear end with increased
facets
for strength and support (Figs. 3-11). In the illustrated embodiment, the nose
changes from a generally triangular front end into a six-faceted body, which
in turn
transitions into an eight-faceted body at its rear end.
(63) In a preferred construction, nose 14 transitions from a three or four-
faceted surface at the front end (depending on whether central facet 34
maintains a
significant width in front end 20) into a six-faceted surface into body 18 for
strength,
stability and a slimmer profile. Body 18 preferably comprises an upper central
facet
34 and a pair of inclined side facets 36, and a lower central facet 38 and
inclined
side facets 40 to present a strong profile. The use of central facets 34, 38
reduces
the overall depth of the assembly to provide a more slender projection for
better
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penetration. The top central facet 34 is preferably flat in a transverse
direction with
a width that expands rearwardly to ease the flow of earthen material into the
bucket.
The lower central facet 38 is also generally flat in a transverse direction,
but
preferably has a narrowing width in a rearward direction. This is particularly
beneficial on account of the greater inclination of lower side 33 as compared
to
upper side 31. While planar facets 34, 36, 38, 40 are preferred, curved facets
could
also be used. Nevertheless, other shapes and arrangements where the nose
changes from a relatively small sized front end with a certain facets into a
larger
sized rear end with increased facets are possible.
[64] Lower side facets 40 are preferably substantially parallel to axis 26
to
define rear stabilizing surfaces (Figs. 5, 7, 8 and 9). As with front
stabilizing surfaces
24, rear stabilizing surfaces 40 are laterally inclined to resist both
vertical and side
loading. The inclination of stabilizing surfaces 40 should be chosen as a
balance
between stabilizing the wear member under vertical loading and providing the
assembly with sufficient overall strength. Accordingly, side facets 40 are
preferably
inclined relative to central facet 38 at an angle 0 between 105 and 180
degrees,
and most preferably at an angle of about 128 degrees (Fig. 11). Nevertheless,
stabilizing surfaces 40 could be inclined outside of the preferred range,
particularly
in light duty operations or those involving high side loading. The rearward
narrowing
of central facet 38 also maximizes the rearward expansion of stabilizing
surfaces 40
to provide greater surface area for resisting loads, particularly at the rear
of nose 14.
[65] In a preferred embodiment, body 25 transitions into an eight-faceted
structure at its rear end 41 (Figs. 4, 5, 7 and 8). In the illustrated
example, nose 14
further includes a pair of opposite, vertically positioned side surfaces 43 to
reduce
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the profile of the nose for better penetration and to provide additional
support to
resist side loads. The use of a nose and socket which transitions through
three
phases, each having more facets than the more forward phases (excluding
surfaces
pertaining to the lock or those of ridges and grooves), provides an
advantageous
combination of strength and slenderness for improved operation and
penetration. In
a preferred example, the first front phase includes four facets, the middle
phase
rearward of the front stabilizing end includes six facets, and the rear phase
defines
eight facets rearward of the lock (though it could extend forward of the lock
if
desired). Alternatively, if facet 34 does not extend through the front end 20,
then
the first phase would have three facets. In either case, the front end 20 is
considered to be generally triangular.
[66] Base 15
further includes supports 42 adjacent nose 14 for additional
stabilization of wear member 12 under upwardly directed loads (Figs. 4-9). In
a
preferred construction, supports 42 are substantially parallel to axis 26 and
oriented
generally in a horizontal orientation, though they could be laterally inclined
to resist
both vertical and side loads. One support 42 sets to each side of nose 14 just
below
the intersection of facets 36, 40, although they could be at or just above the
intersection. In this preferred construction, upper stabilizing surfaces 42
are
laterally offset from lower stabilizing surfaces 40. This offset, juxtaposed
relationship of the lower and upper stabilizing surfaces 40, 42 on base 15
enables
the use of a more slender tooth system than if upper facets 36 were designed
to be
stabilizing surfaces that, for example, mirror lower facets 40. Since supports
42
provide stabilization against upward loads, upper facets 36 are inclined in
both axial
and lateral directions, without defining stabilization surfaces substantially
parallel to
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axis 26. With this construction, side facets 36 avoid extending farther upward
and
impeding the flow of earthen material into the bucket. Nevertheless, facets 36
could
be formed as stabilizing surfaces with or without supports 42, or other
arrangements
of stabilizing surfaces could be used. Moreover, since supports 42 are
preferably
structured to resist only vertical loading, a single support on one side could
be
.
provided if desired.
[67] Wear member 12 includes a bit 28 with a front digging edge 44 and a
mounting end 46 with a rearwardly-opening socket 16 (Figs. 1-3 and 12-17).
Socket
16 is preferably formed to matingly receive nose 14, although differences
between
the nose and socket could exist. Accordingly, socket 16 preferably includes a
generally triangular-shaped stabilizing front end 48 having a lower
stabilizing surface
52 and a pair of upper stabilizing surfaces 54 (Fig. 14). Stabilizing surfaces
52, 54
are substantially parallel to axis 26. As with nose 14, socket 16 transitions
into a
larger main portion 56 defined by an upper side 58 and a lower side 60. Upper
side
58 includes a top facet 64 and side facets 66 to correspond to facets 34, 36
on
nose 14. Likewise, lower side 60 includes a bottom facet 68 and side facets 70
to
correspond to facets 38, 40 on nose 14. Side facets 70 are also substantially
parallel to longitudinal axis 26 to bear against side facets 40 under certain
loads.
Side surfaces 71 are also provided to bear against side surfaces 43.
[68] Mounting end 46 further includes shoulders 72 formed by an offset
portion 74 of upper side 58 that overhangs past the rear end of lower side 60
(Figs
1, 2, 12 and 14-17). Shoulders 72 are substantially parallel to axis 26 and
oriented
generally horizontal to bear against supports 42. Shoulders 72 are integral
with
upper side 58 rather than extending reanvardly like known cantilevered ears.
This
CA 2968787 2017-05-30
arrangement, then, as compared to cantilevered ears, provides shoulders 72
with
greater support and requires the use of less metal. Nevertheless, it is
possible to
provide ears to bear against supports 42.
[691 While any portion of the nose may at times bear loads from the wear
member, stabilizing surfaces 22, 24, 40, 42, 52, 54, 70, 72 are intended to be
the,
primary surfaces for resisting vertical and side loads that are applied to the
wear
member. When loads having vertical components are applied along the digging
edge
44 of wear member 12, the wear member is urged to roll forward off the nose.
For
example, when a downward load Li is applied to the top of digging edge 44
(Fig. 1),
wear member 12 is urged to roll forward on nose 14 such that front stabilizing
surfaces 54 in socket 16 bear against stabilizing surfaces 24 at the front end
of
nose 14. The rear end 79 of lower side 60 of wear member 12 is also drawn
upward
against the lower side 33 of nose 14 such that rear stabilizing surfaces 70 in
socket
16 bear against stabilizing surfaces 40 of nose 14.
[701 The engagement of stabilizing surfaces 40, 70 provides more stable
support for the point as compared to the use of conventional converging
surfaces,
with less reliance on the lock. For instance, if load Li is applied to a tooth
with a
nose and socket defined by converging top and bottom walls without stabilizing
surfaces 40, 70, the urge to roll the wear member off the nose is resisted in
part by
the abutting of converging walls at the rear ends of the nose and socket Since
these converging walls are axially inclined to the longitudinal axis, their
abutment
with each other urges the point in a forward direction, which must be resisted
by the
lock. Accordingly, in such known constructions, a larger lock is needed to
hold the
point to the nose. A larger lock, in turn, requires larger openings in the
nose and
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point, thus, reducing the overall strength of the assembly. In the present
invention,
stabilizing surfaces 40, 70 (in conjunction with stabilizing surfaces 24, 54)
are
substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 26 to minimize forward urging of
wear
member 12. As a result, the wear member is stably supported on the nose to
increase the strength and stability of the assembly, reduce wear, and enable
the use
of smaller locks.
[71] Stabilizing surfaces 22, 42, 52, 72 function in essentially the same
manner for upwardly-directed vertical loads. An upwardly directed load L2
(Fig. 1)
causes front stabilizing surface 52 of socket 16 to bear against stabilizing
surface
22 on the front end of nose 14. The upward rolling of wear member 12 on nose
14
is also resisted by shoulders 72 bearing against supports 42 at the rear ends
of wear
member 12 and nose 14. These stabilizing surfaces 22, 42, 52, 72 can have a
smaller surface than stabilizing surfaces 40, 70 because the bulk of the loads
are
expected to be rearward and downward.
[72] As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment, stabilizing surfaces
24,
40, 54, 70 are inclined in transverse directions. Preferably, these angled
stabilizing
surfaces are symmetrical, although an asymmetrical arrangement is possible.
The
transverse inclination of stabilizing surfaces 24, 40, 54, 70 enables them to
resist
side loads, such as load L3 (Fig. 1). For example, the application of side
load L3
causes wear member 12 to laterally cant on nose 14. The front stabilizing
surface
54 on the side L3 is applied is pushed laterally inward to bear against front
stabilizing surface 24 on nose 14. The rear portion 79 of facet 70 on the
opposite
sidewall of socket 16 is drawn inward to bear against the corresponding facet
40.
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The opposite stabilizing surfaces 24, 54, 40, 70 work in the same way for
oppositely
directed side loads.
[73] It is advantageous for the same surfaces to resist both vertical and
side
loading. Loads are commonly applied in shifting directions as the bucket or
other
excavator is forced through the ground. With the laterally inclined surfaces,
the
bearing engagement continues between the same surfaces even if a load shifts,
for
example, from more of a vertical load to more of a side load. With this
arrangement,
movement of the point and wearing of the components can be reduced.
Stabilizing
surfaces 22, 42, 52, 72 are not inclined in the preferred embodiment because
the
bulk of the loads are expected to be rearward and downward, and the use of
horizontal stabilizing surfaces in this direction enables the design of an
assembly
with less depth.
[74] Stabilizing surfaces 22, 24, 40, 42, 52, 54, 70, 72 are preferably
planar,
but could have different shapes. For example, the stabilizing surfaces could
be
formed with broad convex or concave curves. In addition, rear stabilizing
surfaces
40, 70 are generally most effective when located at or near the rear end of
the nose
and socket. Hence, in the illustrated embodiment, the front portions of
stabilizing
surfaces 40, 70 taper to a front point. Of course, the front portions could
have other
narrowing shapes, non-converging shapes, or be eliminated entirely. Further,
bearing may occur on only one portion of any or all of the stabilizing
surfaces.
[75] In one construction, lock 17 fits into an opening in the form of
through-
hole 81 defined in wear member 12 and a pocket or cavity 83 defined in one
side of
nose 14 (Figs_ 1-2). Lock 17 is movable between a hold position (Figs_ 1, 2
and 30)
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where the lock 17 holds wear member 12 to nose 14, and a release position
(Figs.
31 and 32) where wear member 12 can be installed on or removed from nose 14.
[76] Through-hole 81 preferably extends through a side facet 66 (Figs. 1, 2
and 12-16), but could be formed in other parts of the wear member. Through-
hole
81 has a generally rectangular shape with two end walls 85, 87, front wall 89
and
rear wall 91, but could have other shapes. One end wall 85 defines a pivot
member
93 in the form of a rounded bulb (Fig. 16). The bulb 93 is preferably turned
inward,
toward nose 14, to alleviate the risk of wearing the bulb away. Bulb 93
defines an
axis that extends generally in a longitudinal direction relative to the wear
assembly
and is structured such that loading is minimized during use. The opposite end
wall
87 defines a stop 95 in the form of a projection extending generally toward
end wall
85. Rear wall 91 preferably includes an expanded portion 91a that extends into
socket 16 to provide a larger bearing face for the lock and to move the
bearing
moment inward to reduce the tendency of the wear member 12 to cant on base 15
due to the lock securing only one side. Nose 14 includes recess 94 to
accommodate
the presence of the inward extension of rear wall 91.
[77] Lock 17 (Figs. 18-22) includes a narrow end 103, a wide end 105, a
front
face 107, and a rear face 109, though other shapes are possible. Narrow end
103
is formed as a pivot member 113, which preferably defines an arcuate recess to
cooperate with bulb 93 on end wall 85 to enable the lock to pivotally swing
between
hold and release positions. Pivot members 93, 113 could be reversed so that
the
bulb is formed on lock 17 and the recess on wear member 12, or have a
different
construction that defines the pivot axis. Wide end 105 includes a latch
formation
115 that cooperates with end wall 87 to retain lock 17 in hold and release
positions.
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In addition, although pivot member 93 could be formed on end wall 87 and the
latch
formation 115 adapted to engage end wall 85, they are preferably as
illustrated to
minimize obstructions with adjacent wear assemblies during installation or
release.
[78] In the illustrated embodiment, lock 17 is composed of a body 110, a
resilient member 112 and a shield 114 all bonded or otherwise secured
together.
Body 110 defines latch formation 115 that engages end wall 87 and stop 95.
Shield
114 overlies resilient member 112 to engage bulb 93. Resilient member 112
provides lock 17 with a resilient compressibility.
[79] Cavity 83 in nose 14 is preferably defined by base walls 129, 131
collectively having a generally L-shaped configuration, a front wall 133, and
a rear
wall 135 (Figs. 4, 6, 7 and 8). Since cavity 83 does not extend through nose
14, it
retains more of the nose strength. Base wall 129 provides a platform against
which
lock 17 can set to prevent excessive insertion. Base wall 131 is preferably
curved to
follow the arcuate path of lock 17 when swung into the hold position.
[80] Lock 17 fits into through-hole 81 such that pivot member 113 bears
against bulb 93 for pivotal movement of the lock between the hold position and
the
release position (Figs. 23-32). To secure a wear member 12, lock 17 is swung
about
bulb 93 to tit fully within cavity 83. In the preferred embodiment, a tool T
is used to
move the lock into the hold position; i.e., tool T is placed into a slot 132
(Figs. 12 and
13) in bulb 93 and used to pry lock 17 into the hold position (Figs. 23-25).
The tool
is able to force fingers 116 past end wall 87 adjacent stop 95 with the
compression
of resilient member 112. In this position, fingers 116 opposes facet 66 in
socket 16
to prevent movement of lock 17 away from the hold position. As a result, end
wall
87 operates as catch for lock 17. A separate structure to operate as a catch
could
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be used but is not necessary. While lock 17 preferably has two spaced apart
fingers
116, a single finger 116 could be used. A recess 134 is preferably provided in
outer
surface 125 of wear member 12 to accommodate the desired movement of tool T.
However, other prying arrangements could be used.
[811 In the hold position, front face 107 of lock 17 opposes front wall
133 of
cavity 83, and rear face 108 of lock 17 opposes rear wall 91 of through-hole
81. In
this way, wear member 12 is securely held to base 15. In the illustrated
embodiment, latch formation 115 includes fingers 116 that set behind facet 66
to
prevent release of the lock from the assembly; resilient member 112 biases
finger
116 behind facet 66 after insertion of lock 17 (although lock 17 is preferably
not
tight against end wall 87). In this position, the outer face 123 of lock 17 is
generally
aligned with or slightly recessed relative to the outer surface 125 of wear
member
12 (Fig. 30). In this way, the lock is partially protected from wearing and
forms no
obstruction to the flow of earthen material into the bucket.
[821 Lock 17 further includes a recess 120 along wide end 105. Notch 120
receives stop 95 to hold lock 17 in its release position (Figs. 23, 31 and
32); resilient
member 112 releasably holds the lock in this position. A protrusion 120a
preferably
extends outward at the distal end of recess 120 to prevent lock 17 from moving
out
of through-hole 81. In the preferred construction, lock 17 never needs to be
removed from through-hole 81 in wear member 12. Lock 17 is installed into wear
member 12 (in the release position) at the time of manufacture and shipped to
a
customer (Fig. 30a). The customer stores the wear member with the lock in it
until
needed for use. A depression 130 is preferably provided in nose 14 to
accommodate passage of lock 17 in its release position during installation of
the
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combined wear member and lock (Figs. 4 and 7). A relief 130a is also
preferable
provided to permit passage of bulb 93 during installation of point Then, the
lock is
swung to its hold position to secure wear member 12 to base 15 (Fig. 30). This
arrangement reduces shipping and storage costs, virtually eliminates losing
the locks
in storage or at the installation site in the field, and eases the
installation process.
Nevertheless, lock 17 could be completely removed from wear member 12 if
desired
for shipping, storage, replacement, installation and/or removal.
= [83] As noted above, lock 17 is placed in the hold position
to secure wear
member 12 to base 15. Lock 17 is preferably shipped and/or stored in
combination
with wear member 12 in the release position without base 15. Lock 17 could be
structured to store and/or ship in the hold position or some rearward position
if
desired. Lock 17 preferably includes abutments 128 that prevent lock 17 from
falling through through-hole 81 and into socket 16 when nose 14 is absent.
[84] Lock 17 further includes notches 122, 124, 126 which are
provided to
aid removal of lock 17 from the assembly (Figs. 18 and 22). Specifically, a
tool T is
used to engage notches 1.22, 124, 126 (Figs. 26-29) as needed to pivot lock 17
from the hold position to the release position. For example, when releasing
lock 17,
the tool is initially placed in notch 1.26 (Fig. 26) and moved using stop 95
as a
fulcrum to .bias lock 17 toward bulb 93 against the bias of resilient member
112
(Fig. 27) and to swing lock 17 outward such that fingers 116 swing past end
wall 87
and set outside of the through-hole 81 (Fig. 28). Then tool T is placed
successively
within notches 124 and 122 to swing lock 17 to the release position. The
successive notches are for better leverage and ease of use.
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[85] In one construction, front and rear faces 107, 109 of lock 17 are
generally parallel to the opposed front and rear walls 133, 135 of pocket 83.
In this
way, a firm engagement can be had between the lock and the pocket.
Nevertheless,
in an alternative construction, faces 107 and 109 of lock 17 converge toward
inner
side 149 to engage similarly converging walls 133, 135 of pocket 83. In this
way,
the lock can be more easily inserted and removed from pocket 83 as the walls
do
not engage until fully positioned.
[86] In an alternative embodiment, wear assembly 210 is shown as a tooth
for
a ripper machine (Figs. 33-37). The wear assembly includes a wear member 212
in
the form of a point, a base 215 adapted to be fixed to a ripper arm, and a
lock 217
to secure wear member 212 to base 215. Base 215 includes a nose 214 which is
received in socket 216 in wear member 212. The configurations of nose 214 and
socket 216 are generally the same as nose 14 and socket 16 discussed above in
regard to wear assembly 10. Nevertheless, there can be some changes, as
illustrated, such as the omission of the formations related to the locking
arrangement and the omission of side surfaces 43, 71. There can also be
relative
changes to the dimensions of the various surfaces. Nose 214 and socket 216
each
includes a generally triangular front end 220, which transitions rearwardly
into a six-
faceted structure. In the illustrated example, the nose and socket do not
later
transition into an eight-faceted structure as in wear assembly 10 (though it
could if
desired).
[87] In assembly 210, lock 217 includes a wedge 230 and a spool 231 such
as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,174,661, which may be referred to for
details. Wedge
230 has a conical shape and a thread formation in the form of a helical groove
234
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(Figs. 34 and 37). Spool 231 includes a pair of arms 236 and a body 238
interconnecting the arms. Body 238 defines a trough 240 in which is received
wedge 230. Trough 240 includes spaced helical ridges 242 for receipt within
groove
234. In this way, wedge 230 is threaded to spool 231 so that it can be drawn
into
the assembly by turning the wedge with a wrench or other tool.
[88] Hole 283 extends horizontally through a mid-section of nose 214 to
receive lock 217 (Fig. 33), but could extend vertically or diagonally. Wear
member
212 defines a pair of through-holes 281 which generally align with hole 28.3
when
nose 214 is fully received into socket 216 (Figs. 33-37). Through-holes 281
and
hole 283 collectively define an opening 285 to receive lock 217. Arms 236 abut
against the rear ends 290 of through-holes 281 while wedge 230 bears against
the
front wall 292 of hole 283. Arms 236 each preferably includes a lip 294 to set
within a relief 296 defined in wear member 212 to prevent inadvertent ejection
of
lock 217 during use (Fig. 37). As an alternative, lock 17 could be reversed
such that
the spool (without arms) engaged front wall 292 and the wedge engaged rear
ends
290.
[89] In use, wear member 212 is placed over nose 214 so that through-holes
281 generally align with hole 283 to collectively define opening 285. Lock 217
is
placed into opening 285 with the arms 236 abutting against rear ends 290 of
through-holes 281 and wedge 230 being loosely received into trough 240. Wedge
230 is rotated such that the receipt of ridges 242 in helical groove 234 pulls
the
wedge farther into opening 285 until the lock has firmly secured wear member
212
to base 215.
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[90] The above-
discussions concern the preferred embodiments of the
present invention. Various other embodiments may be used or other changes made
without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
